Mersing boat capsize: 10 bodies found

The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) Maritime Southern District through its Maritime Rescue Sub Centre (MRSC) Johor Bahru confirmed a boat had capsized at Tanjung Leman Beach early Monday.

In the incident, the boat is believed to be carrying 40 illegal immigrants (PATI) from Batam, Indonesia and was headed towards the waters of Tanjung Leman near here.

Southern District Maritime deputy director, Captain Maritim Saiful Lizan Ibrahim said, to date, 10 bodies including six men have been retrieved, while two others were found alive.

READ: Nine bodies found after boat capsizes off Mersing

“They were brought to Mersing Hospital to be treated. Johor Bahru MRSC received the information from a local fisherman at 9am.

Following the discovery, a search and rescue mission around Mersing waters.

“A total of SAR members are involved including from the APMM, The Royal Malaysian Police, Malaysia Royal Army and Malaysian Civil Defence Force,” he said.

He also explained that a total of five miles nautical along the coastline is being combed for survivors.

“The incident could be attributed to excess baggage, bad weather or strong waves,” he said.